Investigators in Arizona are searching for clues in the case of Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old mother of TV host Savannah Guthrie. She has been missing since January 31. Authorities found DNA samples around her home in Tucson, which could help them find a suspect and hopefully locate her.
So far, the DNA found has not matched any records in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), a federal database for DNA from those convicted or suspected of crimes. But there are other methods available that might yield better results.
“We’re looking into forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG), which uses public genealogy sites to trace DNA,” the Pima County Sheriff’s Department stated. This strategy has proven successful in solving high-profile cold cases, like that of the Golden State Killer. FIGG gained attention for helping solve the Bryan Kohberger case in Idaho, where a suspect was identified in a matter of weeks.
Experts like Kathleen Corrado from Syracuse University emphasize that FIGG can assist in real-time investigations, not just cold cases. These methods are gaining traction, as recovery of familial DNA has been linked to solving old crimes.
Here’s how FIGG works: Instead of directly searching databases of private DNA companies like Ancestry or 23andMe, investigators utilize platforms like GEDmatch. Users on these sites can opt to allow law enforcement access to their DNA for investigative purposes. Even a partial match can lead genealogists to build a family tree and identify possible suspects. However, this process can be slow and labor-intensive, depending on how widely DNA is shared among relatives.
Kelly Knight, a forensic science professor at George Mason University, points out that FIGG is not a silver bullet. There are limitations, such as privacy concerns that prevent law enforcement from accessing direct-to-consumer databases without proper legal channels. Ancestry, for example, has strict policies requiring a warrant for police to access their data.
CODIS, on the other hand, speeds up the process significantly. It provides results in about 24 hours, although it primarily contains profiles from convicted felons and not from everyone. The current database has nearly 27 million DNA profiles, which have greatly aided investigations over the years.
While these advanced technologies show promise, they also raise ethical questions. For instance, racial disparities are prominent in CODIS records, disproportionately affecting people of color due to systemic biases in arrests and convictions. Furthermore, reliance on genetic databases can lead to false leads if DNA from an innocent person mistakenly ends up at a crime scene.
As forensic techniques continue evolving, so does the ability to solve crimes. Corrado mentions that the field has advanced to the point where even tiny DNA samples can be analyzed, opening new avenues for justice. But it also requires careful consideration of privacy and ethical implications as more cases rely on these emerging technologies.
